I'm kinda unsure about this but if this blog actually accepts character × character, can you do Silver and Jade (love their ethereal beauty combined!) with ficlet + the word Willow? albeit in greater heights it is considered a tree of life, growth, and nourishment, I feel like somehow there's a hidden sentiment, reminiscent, and slight mournfulness behind it......try listening Colours of the Winds as you read this 人(*´ω｀*). kindly ignore this ask if it violated the rules/simply isn't coherent enough—thank you in advance and have a great day, Mx Typist ( ◜‿◝ )♡
I will not lie, anon. Your ask did pique my curiosity! I hope that you enjoy this piece as much as I did creating it.
CW for slight OOC, mentions of blood, light angst with a happy ending, lots of memory jumps.
Word count: 3967
The Possibilities are Endless
Hidden from the view lies a blossoming tree unforeseen by many but open to those willing to look, a haven for those looking for peace in times of turmoil, a place to rest. Life was an everyday struggle for survival; so different from the world above water. Jade wondered if he truly found a place of peace or a place of regrets.
Had he understood the curse of the black thorns earlier, perhaps the willow tree would not have been an early grave for one he had come to cherish.
A glass coffin, the raining petals of willow blossoms, and the careful steps of a traveler and a noble approached the boy cursed with eternal rest; the black thorns that adorn his skin like ink. It was haunting, soul crushingly beautiful. Jade’s heart beats slowly and heavy, the eyes hidden behind tinted glasses could not remain open for long; he opened his mouth to speak, urging the pressuring silence to break between them.
“Those black thorns were what remained of a curse that ravished the land in the past, is that true my Lord?” The wandering traveler asked the nobleman much shorter than he, with eyes that bore playfulness but held memories that stretched longer than one would think. Lilia Vanrouge knew the power of those thorns, what was to come once the thorns chose its sacrifice, he knew what was to be done, what will be fulfilled by the law of its magic…And it hurt.
It hurt to see the very boy he took in and care for sleep for the rest of his days, what life lay ahead of him slowed to a halt. “An unlucky soul is chosen to hold all of the resentment and anger of its caster. It doesn’t matter who it is, no matter status or age…It will choose and it will hold onto its sacrifice until their dying breathe.”
The nobleman’s hands touched the glass coffin, his sigh shaking and legs losing ability to hold himself up; Lilia pressed his forehead to the coffin, his eyes closed and aura heavy. Jade could sense a love so genuine, a love only a father could give in mourning to a son whose life was cut short.
“My boy,” wept the nobleman. “My poor boy, why did the thorns choose you?”
Jade took a step back, allowing family to grieve in private. “I’ll give you time to be alone, my Lord.”
A sniffle and a sob, Lilia turned to him “Thank you for being his last memory. You have my eternal gratitude.” The tall man is silent, his robes denoting his origins and chain holding his glasses danced with the wind as the petals of willow rained down before them.
Hair white like spider’s silk, eyes lavender as the blossoms that bloomed on the willow tree and a demeanor that outranked any nobleman Jade has met; the man before him was like a painting splashed with water, eyelids delicate and almost reaching its end to the bottom “Apologies for startling you, I do not mean any harm.” He says, hiding his weapon as a sign of benevolence. “I would just like to rest upon this tree just like you.”
Jade was a wandering traveler, his home hidden beneath the waves and salt; the young nobleman, a boy around his age held his sword by his side and garments dirtied with earth and dust. It seemed both of them were worse for wear.
“Please, do not let that stop you.”
The two strangers sat by the trunk, the sound of silence heavy and comforting. Jade’s eyes adjusted to the low light behind glasses designed to protect the eyes of one who lived within the trenches of the deep. “Your clothes, you’re from the sea. What is it like there?”
“Wet, for one.” Jade replies dryly.
The sword wielding boy’s laugh was like tickle in his ears, his smile kind yet tight. “Well, that’s quite obvious.” Jade hands come up to catch a lingering petal in his hand, fingers thin in holding it delicately. “It’s very blue and sound is often muffled as compared to the ones on land. Color is…somewhat brighter here than how it is back home.”
“So everything is dark where you’re from.” He said, closing his eyes to rest his weary body. “Pitch black.”
Jade opened his eyes, everything eye-catching and bright and loud came to him all in one moment. The voices of the market of child and adult alike. One selling potions and one selling metal, a trail of silk passes his fingers and the smell of dye reaches his nose. Business was thriving.
“This way.” Said his guide. His robes similar to the ones Jade wore, its material floating as they walked through the narrowing pathway and into the darkness both of them lived for most of their lives. “To think the gem trade had reached a remote place like this.” He said, removing his glasses when his eyesight adjusted to a place he was used to.
“It’s a hard route to follow, especially with the curse over this area. Those black thorns shouldn’t be messed with.”
“…I know.” Was all Jade could reply.
To his left, a sharp right and down the long path towards a red door. Jade and his guide stop before it as it opened to them without a hitch. “How many bags were you able to find?” He asked, stepping in to find gems of every color flowing out from the bag and thieves tied by rope enchanted with markings of strength “Nine of them. All in pristine condition.”
“Good. We got here on time.” His attention moved to the other people in the room, his footsteps clicking against polished flooring and hand delicate yet strong in grabbing one by the hair, the squeal from pain brought a sense of enjoyment out of Jade. There were moments he allowed his rather violent tendencies to let loose. He wonders how his companion by the willow tree would react had he seen this side of him.
“Tell me everything you know.” One eye, a bright yellow, shines against the low light. Jade looked like a beast ready to prowl on his weakened victim, a smile of teeth razor sharp and ready. “And this will hurt less than it should.”
He wondered if he would continue to wait for him there knowing what he was set out to land to fulfill.
“Jade, I didn’t think I would see you here again.”
It had been a long time since they had dropped the formalities and a long time since they had exchanged names. Silver was a boy taken in by a noble of the land, a former general respected by those around him Jade had met him a few times during his searches for the lost pearls and he knew he was not a man to be messed with despite his small size.
“The willow tree has become a favorite spot of mine since our meeting, Silver.”
He sits next to him “I’m glad.” Reaching for the skies to stretch his back with a huff. “The willow blossoms are about to bloom.” He said, hand reaching up to catch a falling blossom that was picked out by the wind. “You have flowers in the sea as well, right?”
“Yes, though they’re more fleshy than soft. They’re more vibrant near the surface.”
Another blossom flutters in the breeze, the petals landing on his hands. “Forgive me for forgetting but, why did you come to the surface? While I do see some traders from the sea, I do not think that’s your main objective here.”
The petal was soft in his hands, almost like waxed silk. He trusted Silver as the days passed yet for him to reveal something so personal…Was it right to? “That is true, I’m not here to sell.”
“I’m willing to listen.”
As steadfast as a knight with a kindness of a friend, Silver closed the distance between them and now sat shoulder to shoulder. Jade’s hands hesitate for a brief moment, the two of them had spent enough time to be this close yet not enough to know each other on such a deep level…Was it worth the risk to reveal his plans?
Reaching into his robes, he pulls out a bundled cloth and with gentle pulls unraveled to show a shining pearl. Silver’s eyes widened in their beauty, its luster reflected against his gentle lavender eyes.
“I am looking for a treasure that was stolen from my home.”
Bloodied hands hold the pearls gently; the smuggling thieves put up more of a fight that Jade originally thought but that didn’t matter to him, his objective was more important. The bags were collected and carried by more people of his cloth, their robes moving like the waves of the sea and shells clicking and tinkering as they shuffled about.
“We have counted three thousand.” Said his guide who handed his a damp cloth to clean his hands. Jade takes it with a murmur of thanks and cleans himself of his doing. “This is quite the bounty, good on you for finding this.” Discarding the reddened cloth, he adjusted his clothing and proceeded to walk out the door. “You won’t be staying?” The guide questions, taking the cloth from the ground.
“I have other places to be. Enjoy the amenities without me.” And into the colorful crowd he went, glasses don and chain going with his flow. Jade walked the lane of gleeful and bright colors yet only pitch black stained him mind.
Time passes quickly, it was a lesson many must learn and live with; Sebek was the youngest in the family, which one didn’t matter to him. “Silver, I’m here.”
The curse of the black thorns was an age old tale, a wicked magician who had never experience love in her lifetime cursed the land of her birth with thorns that bore her hate, burning down what was once home to feel the warmth that could not reach her. Long after her death, the thorns remained and would pull anyone who was deemed worthy of hate. To show the world her anger ran deep.
If the thorns chose a sacrifice then the land will remain peaceful for a time, at least, until the sacrifice’s body’s sleeps the last traces of their life away. Only then will the thorns look for another soul to crush, a soul to hold its hate, its sorrow.
Silver was Sebek’s companion all his life. All the memories he had contained a sliver of the boy whose hair shined like his namesake in the sun. In a short time, he had become stronger than him; in a short time, he had grown taller than him and in that short time, he was too late to do anything for him.
The willow’s blossoms coat the floor in violet and the flowers he brought along stood up against it. “It has been a while but Master Lilia told me he visited you every chance he got.” His hand touched the glass coffin where his fallen fellow laid, the ink-like blackness of the thorns mar and pull at his skin brought his mind to turmoil.
He thought of something to say, something to confess, anything to try to get a reaction from the sleeping man but to no avail. He sighed a breath he didn’t know he was holding, his body bent and forehead touching the glass. “I’m sorry Silver, please forgive me.” His fists clench against the crystalline structure, lips pursed and tight. “Please wake up, I’m sorry.”
All before this, all before Sebek forced himself to grow, he was childish. He didn’t know whether it was because of his sheltered upbringing prior or it was because of his own selfishness growing up. Each day, he wanted to be the one on top, to be the one who shines the brightest even if it meant having to put others in his shadow.
He wanted to beat Silver in everything he was good at, to have only praise reach his ears…He was so enveloped in wanting shine, in wanting to be the best that…
“I’m sorry.”
He had neglected to see the full picture before him. And it was only then that he realized all his life, all his effort was focused on mistakes that piled onto him the moment the thorns preyed and chose Silver as its sacrifice.
He knew that the thorns favor no one yet, he could not find in himself to break the thought that all this was his punishment. The world’s way of bringing him suffering for his transgressions. He didn’t only lose a friend that day, he lost someone he loved.
In such a short time, he was too blinded by the light ahead of him that he forgot to check those next to him, for a hand to hold him throughout the journey. A warm hand touched his shoulder, the familiar tinted glasses and shining chain gave all suspecting names away.
A bouquet of flowers were placed near the foot of the glass coffin. “Forgive me for disturbing you, I did not want to startle you with my presence.” There was a small laugh, something that startled Jade in return “I would be surprised regardless”. A clean cloth was pulled from his coat, wiping the area clean. Ever since the curse took Silver, Sebek handled the upkeep of his resting place.
“I’m the only one who can walk the distance freely unlike Master Lilia and Malleus who have duties to attend to.” Said the green haired boy, his eyes shined differently and lips tight as if almost bursting to tears. “Let me be the one to take care of it.”
“I didn’t think I’d cross paths with you again. You’re all over the place.”
“Yes, that’s just the hardships of travelling.”
Sniffling, Sebek gets up to his feet and rubs his nose. “Come, let’s talk while we head back.” The hesitant brought another small laugh, one that Jade becomes equally startled with. This man, Sebek, he was so different now.
“You’ve grown.”
Stunned silence, not one movement from the two. Sebek’s eyes go to the ground, shoulders sagging. “Have I?” a crease on his cheek and the shake of his head. “Let’s get back to the manor. I fear that a spout of rain may come soon.”
“How are you enjoying the party?”
Silver was dressed in a suit of black and adorned with shimmers of emerald, his getup accented by the dust of green glitter on his eye lids. He was beautiful, very much so. “It’s quite lively.” Jade’s glasses never came off but his eyes that glowed in the night were more obvious with his all black attire that Lilia let him borrow.
As small as Sebek was, his build was just right for him…Despite his annoyance. He never really understood him.
He leans against the railing of the balcony, the creasing sure to make a certain green haired fellow angry later into the night. “It’s warm, I’m not very good with warm environments.”
“I don’t blame you. Plus all that talk about gem trade, I’m sure you don’t like that either.”
The two of them bump shoulders, chuckling amongst each other. “You know me too much, it’s scary.”
The forest was quiet, only the sound of night crawlers remain. Silver took in the crisp evening air and letting it flutter against hair that had been brushed to smoothness like silk. “How many more do you need to finish?”
“Ten thousand. I’ve gathered two thousand at the moment.”
In his hand was the polished pearl he had shown his earlier and though it was one of the pearls dear to him, he did not hesitate in letting Silver hold it in his hand. He had long earned his trust and honesty with him, it was no risk for him to lend an ear for his troubles.
“I heard along the vine that a shipment will arrive by the river tomorrow. Perhaps you’ll find a good amount there.”
Silver raised up the pearl, overlapping the moon with it. “It’s beautiful.” Their eyes share a knowing look, a smile and a smirk. Silver leaned against him with another chuckle. “Is there anything else you wanted to say?”
Jade turns to him just as a hand comes to remove his glasses.
“You’re beautiful.”
The hiss of rain denied any silence to pass, the smell of tea and hot chocolate filled the small lodging where Lilia and Malleus stayed. “I apologize for the short notice.” Said the wandering traveler yet the noble hosts paid no mind. “Short or not, you are a guest as well as our friend.”
Malleus smiles into his cup. “Besides, times like these are special. Free time is a rarity nowadays.” Sebek set a warming blanket on Lilia’s shoulders, the older one giving him a smile of thanks. “Were you able to collect the pearls?”
“I am short of a hundred, Sir Malleus.”
Malleus Draconia, the head of the family, was a well-to-do and greatly respected man. His presence alone was enough to grant the room peace and his voice grant command. Like Silver, Jade had long lost his suspicion of him long ago. He could confide in him and the man will be honest, albeit sugarcoat his words to lessen the blow.
Malleus was powerful as he was kind, something he once thought only existed in books read to him as a child.
“Do you have any leads as to where they might be?”
The smoking trail of tea stayed by his nose, the smell of pressed lives melting the stress in his bones away. “No, sadly.”
“Good.” With a wave of his hand, Sebek walked carefully with a silver tray and a bowl. “Then that means the information handed to us was correct.”
Pearls of every color, every size and luster were set onto the low table with some bouncing onto the tray. Jade’s eyes were wide behind his glasses, looking to the three different faces before him. “But how did you—? When—?”
His surprised expression brought a laugh, one heartwarming and teasing. It was not all the time they got to see Jade so frazzled and not the sharp but distant travelling business man he made himself out to be. “All in good condition.”
His eyes shuddered and heart raced. His search was almost done yet Silver was still cursed, the thorns never releasing its hold on him. What should he do? What can he do??
“Thank you, so much. I’m grateful, from the bottom of my heart.” He said, head hunched and breathing deep. “I just…I wish I could pay you back.” Lilia huffed a laugh, his shoulders shaking. “Come now, how much you mean to us isn’t dependent on that.”
Jade never knew what it felt like to be so weak, to be bare to those around him. Even if this act of kindness would further bring his journey to its satisfied end, it did not mean it would grant him the happy ending he preferred. Silver is still asleep.
Malleus’ hand touched his shoulder, his tall figure looming over him. “It is alright for you to accept the love others are willing to give, Jade. Silver wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
With his journey coming to an end, his purpose now fulfilled it was now time for him to head for home but not without saying goodbye. The group had agreed to accompany him one last time to Silver’s resting place, the very tree they first met in. As the four of them walked, the memories begin coming back to him with each step they took.
Jade and Silver were being chased, the thieves coming at them in droves bigger than they had anticipated. The two of them jumped and ran through the place they memorized like the back of their hands. “This way.” Said the training swordsman, his hand clutched tight against the bag of pearl they had snatched.
Over the branches and through the trees, the threats of the thieves that tracked their move waned and quieted until only labored breath remained.
“We’re here.”
The place looked exactly as he left it, the bouquet of wilting flowers and the pungent smell of dying willow blossoms; Silver laid in a state of eternal rest, his robes a pristine white against the thorns that wrapped around his skin.
They thought they were safe, they thought it was over. Jade remembered hugging him out of joy, an actioned welcomed by one in return. So close to the goal, little by little it was complete.
Jade walked up to it, palm flat on the glass and pushing it open despite Sebek’s worry and Lilia’s motions of peace.
It happened so quickly as if the ground beneath them shook, the previous sacrifice had expired and the thorns were active once again. It wrapped around Jade, pulling him in. A single pearl flew, a single glint of hope taken right before his very eyes.
Silver had pushed him out of harm’s way, the thorns coming to him instead.
He leaned over the sleeping boy, noses almost touching. His face did not move, not an inch.
“Go.” Was the last thing he said before the curse took hold of him and the last thing he saw was him smiling.
“I’ll see you again soon.” Whispered Jade, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I love you.”
When there was no response, Jade sighed and nodded his head to the three. “Take care of yourself out there.” Said Lilia who patted his shoulder on the way out. Sebek was quick to take the glass opening in his hands and pull.
Hair white like spider’s silk fluttered in the air, eyes lavender as the blossoms that bloomed on the willow tree met sunlight for what seemed like a decade and birds sang their songs in welcome as the thorns receded to dust.
The smell of salt and brush of the sea, Jade embraced the familiar environment entirely. The boat was ready and so was he brethren, with a nod of his head all of them set off for home without so much a look behind them.
“—ade! Jade!!”
The wind whistled into his ears, his eyes wide against tinted glasses at the sight of three figures running a glimmer of white in tow. Sebek held someone on his back, his loud voice yelling for him to come back…Come back…
“Come back!”
Hair white like spider’s silk fluttered in the air, eyes lavender as the blossoms that bloomed on the willow tree met sunlight for what seemed like a decade panted in his white clothing, eyes desperate in wanting to move. To scream just as the others do but his body is weak, brittle.
Though his voice was soft, it was enough for Jade to move and jump out of the ship to the horror of his shipmates. From the depths, his form came in the form of an eel that quickly swam to the docks in neck breaking speeds. Silver’s body was shaking, Jade’s heavy and wet.
The embrace was just as warm as he remembered, Silver’s embrace the same tightness as it was before. He buried his face into the eel’s neck, body shaking as he whispered whatever he could say. For the first time in a long while, the two saw eye to eye.
“You’re beautiful.” Silver said with a smile upon seeing Jade’s mismatched eyes of green and bright yellow. “I love you…”
The two shared an embrace, their love like a fire that burned like a warming fire. A pearl is gripped in Silver’s palm, the search was over and the spell was broken. Jade pressed a kiss to his forehead. An ending well earned.